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“We’re playing Patrol, want to come?” Kaminari asked Ochako and Ashido. Ochako had heard of the game but she also knew it was banned at U.A. due to risk and recklessness.
“We’re gonna get caught,” Ashido said, her voice low. “The teachers are onto us.”
“Uh-uh, Bakugou is bringing Camie. She’s gonna create illusions around us until we get out of range,” Kaminari grinned.
Ochako suddenly felt burning in her stomach. Bakugou was bringing Camie? He never invites anyone to do anything.
“I’m down,” Ochako said. She had never played but that wasn’t going to stop her. Ashido glanced in her direction and sighed.
“Fine, but I’m not gonna be the driver,” Ashido said with a shake of her head.
“Psh, like Bakugou would let you touch his car,” Kaminari grinned. “Meet on the top of the roof at 10 o’clock.”
“Who else is going?” Ochako asked, trying to not seem like she was too nosy.
“The squad, first year remedial group, some cool people from 3-B, whoever else Kirishima told.”
“Such a big mouth. Doesn’t he know the more the merrier doesn’t always apply,” Ashido rolled her eyes and packed up the homework she was working on. “Come on, Ochako. You’ll need to put on warmer clothes.”
“Wait, have you never played?” Kaminari’s eyes went wide and his smile widened. “Bakugou is gonna chew you up and spit you out.”
“He can try,” Ochako muttered and threw her homework into her bag. “See you on the roof.”
She was gonna show Bakugou what she was made of. He’d forget all about Camie.
“Your crush is showing,” Ashido whispered when they got on the elevator.
“You only say that because you know.”
“You gotta be cool, Ochako. Cool and collected. Camie’s got humor on her side.”
“I’m funny!”
Ashido gave her a look.
“Sometimes!” Ochako added.
“At least you’re cuter than her.”
“And smarter, tougher-” Ochako ticked the words on her fingers. Ashido patted Ochako on the back.
“I know that--but you kind of turn into a stuttering, blushing shy girl around people you crush on.”
The elevator doors opened and they were face to face with Bakugou and Kirishima.
“Hey! Are you guys coming tonight?” Kirishima asked loudly.
“Shut the fuck up, Shitty Hair! Do you want the whole class to know?” Bakugou whisper-yelled. He looked down at Ochako and Ashido was right. All her confidence from before had exited the elevator without her.
“You getting off or what?” Bakugou snarled.
“Mhm,” Ochako hummed through tight lips.
“Yes, we’re going,” Ashido said sassily.
“Whatever,” Bakugou moved past Ochako as her feet had refused to move. “I’ll kick both your asses.”
“Can’t really do that when you’re driving,” Ochako managed to say and Ashido’s eyes snapped to hers, glittering with excitement.
“What did you say?” Bakugou said, enunciating every syllable with anger.
“I mean, if you’re just driving, how can you really kick our asses?” Ochako turned around to face him. Kirishima sighed and stuck his arm out to stop the elevator from closing.
“I find the villains. No one escapes,” Bakugou glared down at her.
“But you’re not the one capturing them. Who are our heroes?” Ashido asked Kirishima.
“Sero and Yoarashi in one car, TetsuTetsu and Kendou in the other.”
“Two cars?!” Ashido whispered-yelled. “How many people did you invite?”
“Too fucking many,” Bakugou growled. “The only other person in our class with a car is-”
“Todoroki,” Kirishima finished. Bakugou exhaled angrily.
“So Midoriya and Iida know?” Ashido asked with a grimace.
“No and it’s gonna fucking stay that way,” Bakugou snapped, his eyes on Ochako.
“I’m not gonna say anything,” Ochako glared back at him. “Just because I’m friends with them doesn’t mean I’m not cool!”
Kirishima and Ashido raised their eyebrows, barely holding back their laughs.
“I need breaks from the nerd and if Pres hears what we're doing, he’ll stop us,” Bakugou said roughly.
“I’m not an idiot!” Ochako turned on her heel and left the elevator with her cheeks puffed out.
“Nice one,” she heard Kirishima mutter to Bakugou as the elevator doors closed. Ashido followed Ochako to her room and burst out laughing.
“I was wrong, Ochako!” Ashido fell on Ochako’s bed, giggling and rolling around. “You weren’t shy!”
“Please be quiet,” Ochako said as she changed out of her shorts into leggings and grabbed a light jacket. “I’m already embarrassed.”
“Embarrassed? That was awesome! I’d be surprised if Bakugou’s heart isn’t fixated on you now.”
“Haha, very funny." Ochako's words were filled with sarcasm as she opened the balcony doors. The cool air rushed into her room and the wind caught her bangs, blowing them behind her. “Better get your jacket. It’s a cold night.”
When 10pm arrived, Ochako floated herself and Ashido to the roof, where eighteen people were already waiting for them.
“Holy shit,” Ashido whispered upon seeing all the people.
“You’re late,” Bakugou said roughly when they got there.
“It’s 10:02,” Ashido threw back. Bakugou rolled his eyes.
“Who here hasn’t played?” Kirishima asked. Most of the students from 3-B raised their hands, as did Camie and Ochako. Ochako felt a little better that they shared that trait. “Alright, tonight we have two cars. We’re going from the food hub to the mall. Absolutely no quirks. Pick a partner and stick together. If you get separated, head to the end location. Usually, if your partner is caught you can keep going alone but we’re playing it safe tonight. If one person is caught, your team loses. First pair to the mall wins. If a car fills up, they’ll chill at the convenience store until Camie can illusion us back into U.A. Be careful!”
“Alright, Mom,” Kaminari said and several people laughed.
“There’s been a change of plans. Uraraka, you’re with me and Shitty-Hair,” Bakugou said. “Tape-Face and Baldy, you’re villains today.”
“Wha? But I’ve-” Ochako started but Ashido covered her mouth. Ashido shook her head with wide eyes, grinning as if she’d received a gift.
“Works for me,” Sero shrugged. “I never get to be a villain.”
“How often do you play this?” Ochako whispered through Ashido’s fingers.
“Enough that we’re running on luck now,” she answered quietly, lowering her hand from Ochako’s face. “Sero, be my buddy?”
The players partnered up and Bakugou stood next to Ochako and Kirishima.
“Start running,” Bakugou said menacingly and the ‘villains’ found ways to quickly get off the roof. “Sparkles, cover us till we’re clear.”
“Can do!” Camie said happily and blew illusions that covered all of their dorm. “They’ll follow you around so don’t worry!”
“You only invited her so we don’t get caught,” Todoroki said stoically when Camie was out of earshot. He was standing next to TetsuTetsu and Kendou.
“Eh, explaining why Baldy could come and she couldn’t started to get annoying,” Bakugou said.
“Villains have a 5 minute head start,” Kirishima told Ochako. “Then we hunt them down.”
Ochako nodded, her hands nervously shaking even though her fists were clenched. She wanted to do a good job. It didn’t help that she was going to be on Bakugou’s team instead of fighting against him. Beating him was what had kept her going. Now she was a bundle of nerves and she didn’t even know how to play the game!
“If we touch them, they’re out,” Bakugou said, noticing her anxious demeanor.
“We?” Ochako hadn’t heard that right.
“Yeah, can you believe Bakugou is letting me drive his car? It’s so exciting!” Kirishima grinned widely.
“Don’t make me regret it,” Bakugou growled.
“He’s going to crash it,” Todoroki commented. Kirishima frowned.
“Are you not a good driver?” Ochako asked Kirishima hesitantly.
“I’m--new at it.”
“He got his license a month ago,” Todoroki explained. Ochako wondered why Bakugou, who was so protective over his car, would let a newbie drive it.
“Better than me. I don’t even have one. Can’t afford a car so I don’t see the need,” Ochako said, trying to make Kirishima feel better.
“Same,” TetsuTetsu said with a sigh. Kendou leaned on him.
“But then you could be a driver once in a while.”
“But then I have to study,” TetsuTetsu groaned.
“Stop talking,” Bakugou said suddenly. He held his hand up and listened. Iida was singing softly and terribly from his balcony.
“Get off the roof,” Kirishima whispered.
“Uraraka, use your quirk on everyone but two. They’ll drag the others down,” Todoroki said.
“I was going to say that!” Bakugou whisper-yelled.
“How about I just do it?” Ochako said and Bakugou’s eyes met hers. She touched his arm and her stomach, then touched Kendou and Todoroki. “Take us down.”
TetsuTetsu and Kirishima grinned before grabbing their teams’ hands and jumping off the roof. When they were near the ground, Ochako released them. Kirishima and TetsuTetsu landed with a loud thud as they had to activate their quirks in order to not break their bones.
"What's going on out there?" Iida's voice came from his balcony. Ochako stumbled and Bakugou caught her arm as Kirishima ran away.
“Follow me,” Bakugou whispered.
“My car is a couple blocks away. We’ll take south and east,” Todoroki said quietly.
“Fine!” Bakugou said. He pulled Ochako with him and headed in the opposite direction of Todoroki’s team. They ran after Kirishima until they heard a familiar voice.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Aizawa said.
“Shit.”
“He’s not even our teacher anymore. How does he always find us?” Ochako asked. Bakugou covered her mouth and pulled Ochako to his chest, hiding behind the nearest tree.
“Illusions,” Bakugou said as quietly as he could. He nodded upwards and Ochako saw a shimmer around them. Ochako nodded and pulled his hand down from her face.
“I know you’re out here,” Aizawa muttered as he walked in between the trees. He passed right by Ochako and Bakugou, who were holding their breath. Ochako hoped Kirishima was safe. He continued walking and Bakugou glanced behind them.
“Slowly,” Bakugou said into her ear. “If we move too fast the illusions won’t be able to keep up. Stay close.”
Ochako nodded and Bakugou let go of her. They moved in the direction Kirishima had gone, keeping an eye out for other teachers.
“My car is over there,” Bakugou said. Kirishima was already in the front seat and waved at them. “I’m up front, you’re in the back.”
“That was too close,” Ochako whispered.
“Is it even fun if you don’t almost get caught?” Bakugou grinned wickedly and began to sprint toward his car.
Ochako exhaled, thinking to herself that it would be very fun to not get caught. Getting caught would lead to house arrest. House arrest meant no work studies or school, which they couldn't afford. Kirishima started the car and Bakugou climbed into the front seat. Ochako shut the door and Kirishima floored it.
“Ah!” Ochako screamed involuntarily. She jerked forward and just barely caught herself from smashing face first into the back of the passenger seat.
“Don’t bother with seatbelts,” Bakugou told her but glared daggers at Kirishima. “We need to be able to run. We’re on the lookout too.”
“Got it,” Ochako said breathily, straightening herself out and watching for familiar faces out the side windows. Bakugou rolled down his window and the cool air blew into the car, running through their hair and chilling their skin. Ochako caught Bakugou side-eyeing her through the gap between the car and the seat before he went back to looking out the window.
It was only another two minutes of driving up and down streets when they found their first pair.
“Here we go,” Bakugou smirked and opened the car door while Kirishima was still driving.
“Let me slow down!” Kirishima panicked but Bakugou was already jumping out.
“Move, Uraraka!” Bakugou yelled and started to chase Jirou. “Come here!” He shouted low and rough.
Jirou screamed and Kaminari pulled her into an alleyway.
“I’ll go around! I know where this one leads!” Ochako shouted and bolted around the building.
Bakugou gave chase directly while Ochako ran as fast as she could to the other end of the alley. She made it just as Kaminari and Jirou burst out onto the sidewalk. Ochako reached out and managed to touch Jirou’s arm before they escaped.
“She got me!” Jirou cried out disappointedly.
“Fuck yeah she did!” Bakugou said smugly. “Get in the car losers.”
Kaminari groaned and Jirou sighed.
“We never win,” Kaminari muttered and Jirou patted his arm.
“Because you suck," Bakugou said matter-of-factly. "You’re always holding hands and walking on the sidewalk."
“It’s safer!” Kaminari said defensively. Jirou rolled her eyes.
“He’s afraid if we’re too sneaky it’ll look worse if we get caught,” she explained to Ochako.
“I don’t care,” Bakugou huffed and got back into the front seat. Ochako climbed in after Kaminari and Jirou. Jirou climbed onto Kaminari’s lap and Ochako stared at them.
“It’s the rules,” Jirou said. “To make room for others.”
Ochako nodded and didn’t want to think where she’d be sitting if they caught two other teams. It made her heart race.
“Nice to see you both,” Kirishima grinned happily. “Tunes?”
Jirou nodded and Ochako noticed that she intertwined her fingers into Kaminari’s hand. Everyone knew they were together but she’d never seen them display affection around anyone.
“Safe space,” Jirou said quietly and winked at Ochako. “What happens on Patrol-”
“Is never talked about,” Bakugou finished and side-eyed Jirou with fire in his eyes. Ochako didn’t want to think about what Bakugou had done on Patrol that he didn’t want to talk about. It probably had to do with Camie who apparently was part of their ‘squad’ or whatever they called it. Though she hadn’t been a part of Patrol before. Ochako took a deep breath. She was not doing well with handling her jealousy.
“Why haven’t I been invited before?” Ochako asked Kirishima. Kirishima froze and Bakugou’s head snapped to see his friend’s reaction.
“Uh-no reason. Just--didn’t match up with your schedule.”
“How do you know my schedule?” Ochako leaned into the middle of the two front seats and looked at the boys, waiting for a decent answer.
“It’s not because you’re friends with Deku and Four-Eyes if that’s what you’re getting at,” Bakugou said harshly.
“Just curious. I’m not mad or anything. It just seems like this is your thing and if you wanted me around you’d have done it before tonight. Why now, you know? We graduate in six months.”
“Never too late to start traditions we can keep after school,” Kirishima looked at Ochako with a wide smile. “Glad you’re here now. I would’ve had you here earlier but-” Kirishima bit his lip and stopped talking.
Jirou giggled in the back seat and Kaminari whispered in her ear.
“Oh, now you guys have to tell me!” Ochako said.
“Tape-Face, 9 o’clock,” Bakugou said and jumped out of the car.
“Let me slow down!” Kirishima repeated but Bakugou was already running behind the car. Ochako pushed open the car door and chased after Bakugou.
“Shit!” Ochako heard Sero yell from afar.
“You’re going down!” Bakugou shouted.
Ochako followed the sounds of their voices to find that Bakugou had Sero and Ashido cornered.
“Just get it over with,” Ashido sighed.
Bakugou poked Ashido on the forehead.
“You were right, this is more fun,” Bakugou chuckled but his demeanor changed when he turned around and saw Ochako leaning on a building to catch her breath. “You’re too slow.”
“Note received,” Ochako coughed.
“We’ll get in the car,” Sero said dejectedly and dragged Ashido past Bakugou and Ochako. Bakugou shoved his hands into his pockets and refused to meet Ochako’s eyes as he walked back to the car.
“Do you not want me around?” Ochako asked. She’d been afraid to think it but it seemed the only explanation for the conversation in the car or his change in behavior when she caught up to him. “You think I’m gonna blab or something? Is that why you changed roles? So you could keep me at arm’s length?”
“That’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever said,” Bakugou said without stopping or looking back at her.
“Well, I’m kind of feeling like I’m the butt of some joke.”
That made him turn around.
“You’re only here because you were sitting next to Ashido and Kaminari is an idiot. I switched because I had never been a hero before. Don’t look into things that aren’t there. If you’re going to be this annoying, you can go back.”
Ochako couldn’t squash the betrayal and hurt inside her. It was plain on her face.
“Fine,” Ochako snapped and looked around to see where she was. When she saw the school at the top of the hill, she marched toward it.
“Bakugou!” Ashido hissed from the backseat.
“You know, you could have just said ‘Don’t come’ and I would’ve understood. You don’t have to be so mean!” Ochako shouted into the night. She quickened her pace to that of almost a sprint.
“Bro, if you don’t chase after her, she’s gonna hate you forever,” Kirishima said, leaning into the passenger seat to talk to Bakugou.
“I fucked up,” Bakugou said, wide-eyed as Ochako left. “Why did I say that?”
“Straight up lied to her face,” Kaminari said, shaking his head in disappointment.
“Why did I say that!?” Bakugou repeated and exploded toward Ochako.
“It wasn’t all a lie. He did switch because he had never played hero before but only so he could be with her. He didn’t want to be a villain. I think he thought he’d fuck it up if they were alone,” Ashido explained. “Plus, I told him it’s more fun when you’re chasing than running away.”
“I mean, it was Kirishima that asked Kaminari to invite Ochako. Did he know you did that?” Jirou added.
Kirishima laughed nervously.
“No, but we’re running out of time. Like Uraraka said, we graduate soon. He needed a push,” Kirishima looked out the back window, watching Bakugou fly through the air. There was no way they weren’t going to get caught now.
“Ah, to be young and in love,” Sero sighed.
“Don’t let him hear you say the L-Word,” Kirishima said. “Let’s turn this ride around.”
Ochako was blocks away when Bakugou landed with a bang in front of her. She wiped away her tears and pushed past him.
“Leave me alone! Why I ever liked you, I’ll never know!” Ochako yelled.
“Hold on, don’t be stupid and run off at night. Wait-you like me?” Bakugou felt a shred of hope light up in his heart.
“Liked! Past tense!” Ochako cried and refused to acknowledge him when he matched her stride and followed her.
“It was a defense mechanism. That has to be. Will you look at me?!”
“No.” Ochako didn’t know what he was going on about but she wasn’t going to do anything he asked.
“That’s fine. I can work with pissed off Uraraka.”
“I’m pretty sure I told you to leave me alone. You know, I was actually excited to come tonight. Jealous that Camie was invited by you, but whatever, that’s fine. Then you were your normal rough self. Again-fine. I thought we were at least friends but you don’t even want me around!”
“I want you around!” Bakugou shouted.
“Why are you lying? You’re perfectly capable of being a hero all by yourself. Catch one more team and you’ll win.”
“I wanted to catch people with you.” Bakugou was barely containing his anger. “Yes, I didn’t want you to come before because I’m a fucking mess when you’re around. I never know what to say or how to act.”
Ochako stopped in her tracks and Bakugou froze as she looked him up and down with watery eyes.
“So--you’re explanation for treating me like you don't want me around is that you actually do want me around? Do you see how that’s hard to believe?”
“When you say it like that--yeah. But you already know that my response to people who intimidate me is to intimidate them right back.”
Ochako wiped her tears again and kept walking.
“Right, like I intimidate you,” Ochako chuckled. “I really would prefer it if you didn’t keep lying to me.”
“I’m not fucking--I like you, okay!?” Bakugou shouted and Ochako kept walking. “Please just stop!”
“Please?” Ochako turned around and saw Bakugou’s red eyes pleading with her.
“I’m not good with words. I’m not even alright with them. All I know is that my heart pounds when I hear your voice and I can’t think right when I see you. Who knows why my body responds to this shit like that but that’s the truth, Uraraka.”
“Why now?” Ochako asked firmly.
“Because I’d rather make a fool out of myself telling the truth than hurt you again. What I said was shitty. If I’ve ruined it, that’s fine. Sucks-but sure. That can be the end of whatever this is,” Bakugou gestured between them. “You said you like me.”
“Past tense,” Ochako said with uncertainty. “Does everyone else know?”
“They know about me. Don’t know about you.”
“Ashido does.”
“That explains so much.” Bakugou almost laughed. “She’s been trying to get me to invite you for ages.”
Ochako crossed her arms and Bakugou gulped.
“One more chance," Bakugou said.
“Half a chance.”
“What?”
“You get half a chance. If I’m not having fun by the time we get back, liking you is staying past tense.”
Bakugou gritted his teeth but nodded once firmly. Ochako liked how determined he looked as they walked back to the idling car. Kirishima rolled down the window when he saw them.
“They’re gonna get to the mall,” Kirishima said. “You’re little spat took a bit.”
“Tokoyami wouldn’t dare go somewhere without light just in case,” Ochako muttered to herself. “I bet he’s taking a more direct path.”
“Told you we should have brought her along a long time ago!” Kirishima said, hitting the steering wheel enthusiastically. Bakugou rolled his eyes and climbed into the front seat. Ochako sat next to Sero with Ashido on his lap.
“Let’s get the bird,” Bakugou muttered.
It wasn’t long until they found Tokoyami and Shouji together. This time Ochako jumped out of the moving car before Bakugou.
“It’s over!” She shouted. They were almost to the mall and Tokoyami sprinted at the sound of her voice. Luckily for Ochako, she was faster than Shouji. She touched his arm and Shouji cursed, slowing to a walk and signaling Tokoyami that he’d been caught.
“Nice,” Bakugou said when Ochako brought back the losers.
“That was a quick game. Anyone else down for some ice cream?” Ashido grinned from the backseat as Tokoyami climbed into Shouji’s lap.
“Don’t you want to see who wins?” Ochako asked the group.
“Nah, winners have to ride in the trunk. If there's two cars, it's the last one. If we stick around Todoroki might complain since he’s always the last car,” Kirishima said, revving the car engine much to Bakugou’s dismay. “Let’s get dessert!”
Ochako couldn’t say no to that. What she was nervous about was where she had to sit. Bakugou looked away when Ochako climbed into his seat and sat on his lap. It didn’t help that four people snickered when Ochako blushed at Bakugou’s hands wrapping around her waist.
“Sorry, Uraraka. Maybe Bakugou can switch to driver on the way back,” Kirishima suggested. Bakugou glared at his friend and the tips of his ears reddened. Kirishima tried to suppress a grin but failed.
Ochako could feel how sweaty his hands were and he kept wiping them on his pants the entire way to the ice cream shop. She couldn’t pay attention to anything but how close they were even though their friends were chatting away in the back seat. Bakugou said nothing to Ochako and only looked at the window like he was the one having a bad time. He wasn’t even making an effort on their deal.
The late night ice cream attendant certainly wasn’t expecting nine teenagers to walk through their door fifteen minutes before closing. When they entered, Ochako could see his weary eyes widen for a few seconds before he groaned and stood up behind the counter.
Ochako refused when Bakugou offered to pay for her ice cream. She wasn’t going to be bought and she didn’t want him to get the wrong idea that he could fix everything with money and sweets. This wasn’t a date.
The teens sat around the tiniest table and it was less than a minute before Kaminari’s face was covered in ice cream and sprinkles. Sero had tickled Jirou in the side after she made a bad pun, which caused her to flinch and send her dessert straight into her boyfriend’s face.
Everyone but Ochako and Bakugou laughed.
“What’s got your panties in a knot?” Ashido asked through squinted eyes.
“Bakugou’s a jerk and I’m sick of it,” Ochako answered simply. Bakugou sighed angrily.
“So? We all know that,” Kaminari said, wiping his face off with a napkin. “Just kiss and make up already.”
“You’re heading to an early grave,” Bakugou muttered. Ochako tilted her head and a sly smile crossed her lips.
“Let’s do it,” Ochako looked at Bakugou and time stopped.
“What?” Kaminari laughed nervously. “I wasn’t serious.”
“This night is getting interesting,” Kirishima leaned his elbow on the table and watched Ochako and Bakugou have a staring match with each other.
“I mean, if you’re too chicken,” Ochako taunted and the group ooo-ed.
“I’m calling your bluff. You’re just trying to get back at me,” Bakugou whispered to her. Ochako shrugged.
“Oh well. Would’ve been fun.”
Ochako’s lean into her key word did not go unnoticed by Bakugou. He glared at her, trying to decipher why she was acting this way. If Ochako was being honest, she wanted him to show her he was telling the truth after what he’d said to her. Words were great but actions spoke louder. Was there a better way to show you someone you liked them?
“Fine but not in front of everyone,” Bakugou said and the group went wild.
“Seven minutes in heaven!” Ashido squealed.
“Back seat of your car,” Ochako commanded. The sound of skidding chairs was cacophonous as the teenagers swarmed Bakugou’s parked car outside the shop.
“No looking pervs,” Ashido told everyone. “A body at every window. Tokoyami and Shouji, cover the back and front windows.”
The group accepted their jobs as bodyguards without hesitation. Kirishima opened the back seat door and bowed.
“Your seats,” he said in his best fancy voice.
“If I hear one peep from any of you,” Bakugou threatened and Ochako rolled her eyes.
“Just get in tough guy,” Ochako said, pushing him into the car and most of the group cheered. Tokoyami and Shouji were not invested in whatever was happening. They had only gotten caught in the game by this group. In fact, both of them bonded over the fact that they had no idea what was going on.
The car door shut behind them with a loud snap and it was as if the outside world disappeared. Everything was dark and the only light was being blocked out by bodies at each window. The light splattered at weird spots and shifted slightly when their classmates would move.
“Still think you’re bluffing,” Bakugou said quietly, his back pressed up against the door. He was facing Ochako and staring her down, seemingly waiting for her to make the first move.
“Yeah?” Ochako crawled toward him and Bakugou tried to push himself farther back but was trapped. The locks on the car activated and they heard Kirishima laugh outside.
“Shit, you don’t have to do this. I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to do.”
“I want to do this,” Ochako said, her face right next to his. Seeing him squirm was pretty fun. “Do you?”
Bakugou gulped and his head was leaning against the window, trying to get as far away from her as possible.
“I didn’t want to do it like this!” Bakugou said loudly.
Ochako backed off.
“How would you have done it then?” Ochako asked, beginning to feel guilty for pressuring him into this.
Bakugou relaxed a little now that Ochako wasn’t on top of him.
“I don’t know. Not for some stupid game. Not with those idiots out there waiting to ambush us.”
Ochako leaned her head back and stared at the top of the car.
“It’s probably better if we don’t do anything,” Ochako decided. “It would all feel fake anyway. I thought it might show me that you weren’t lying before.”
“I told you I wasn’t.”
“I know but it’s a little hard to believe, don’t you think? You’re Bakugou. You take what you want and you don’t hold back.”
“Thought you knew me better than that,” Bakugou whispered. Ochako looked at him. “That’s for shit I can control, like fighting. I’m not about to do that to someone I respect and want to-” Bakugou stopped talking.
“Are you afraid of what I think?”
“No,” Bakugou said hurriedly. “I’m afraid of what I’ll do.”
Ochako scooted closer to him. His voice betrayed that he wasn’t okay.
“You’re unexpected. I don’t know how to handle myself around you. I already hurt you tonight. Can’t live with myself if that’s how it’s gonna be,” Bakugou explained. “It’s better if we just part ways.”
“Is that what you want?” Ochako asked sadly.
“No, but I’m not stupid. I already ruined everything.”
Ochako felt weird. Like this wasn’t how the night was supposed to go. This wasn’t how things were supposed to end.
“You're gonna throw away your half chance?” Ochako asked with bewilderment. “You’re not even trying. If you cared-”
Bakugou closed the distance between them and his lips were almost touching hers.
“I don’t want to fuck this up more than I already have.”
Ochako felt Bakugou’s breath on her skin as he analyzed her face.
“I think I’ve been too harsh,” Ochako whispered. Bakugou leaned away from her.
“I said things that I shouldn’t have.”
“I forgive you. Nervousness does things...to people,” Ochako mumbled. Now it was her who was backing away from him. Bakugou watched her scoot her back into the car door.
“Knew it,” Bakugou sighed and sat up in his own seat.
“I'm sorry. I guess my confidence is directly correlated with showing you up.”
Bakugou laughed quietly and shook his head.
“Don’t be. Our seven minutes are almost up,” Bakugou said, leaning his head on the headrest in front of him.
“What happens next?”
Bakugou sighed.
“That depends. Are you having fun?”
“Maybe. I want to see if Mina is right. Is it more fun to chase than to run away?” Ochako asked. They could run away together.
“You want to keep playing?” Bakugou asked, putting things together.
“Everyone else is heroes. We’re the only villains.”
That ignited Bakugou’s competitive nature.
“It’s risky,” Bakugou said. “It’ll suck if we get caught. They’ll never let us live it down.”
They heard a few raps on the car windows.
“Come on, love birds, we want to go home!” Kaminari said with irritation.
“We even gave you an extra couple minutes,” Jirou added.
Bakugou shrugged.
“I’m game. You ready to kick their asses?”
Ochako nodded with a wide grin.
“Alright, idiots, we’re going again,” Bakugou said loudly as he opened the car door. “Ashido, text Kendou and let her know what’s up. She’ll tell Icy-Hot. Here’s the plan-,” Bakugou started and explained the new game. The final location would be at the convenience store since that was where they were supposed to meet anyway.
“Is this, like, a test?” Ashido asked them. “You want to see how well you guys work as a team so you can decide if you’re gonna date?”
Ochako burst out laughing but Bakugou just shrugged.
“Uraraka wants to see what it’s like running away. Gotta show her we don’t half-ass anything,” Bakugou smirked and grabbed Ochako’s hand. He pulled her away from the group and they started walking toward the convenience store.
“Your five minutes starts now!” Kirishima shouted at them. Bakugou and Ochako began sprinting.
“Got your phone?” Bakugou asked as they ran. Ochako nodded. “Set a countdown.”
Ochako quickly set a timer for four and half minutes and they ran as fast as they could. Once the timer had forty-five seconds left, Bakugou pulled her into a dark alley.
“What are you doing?” Ochako whispered-yelled.
“Take a breath.”
“You don’t want to keep running?”
Bakugou shook his head and looked up. Ochako mirrored him and saw a fire escape that led to the top of the roof.
“Start climbing,” Bakugou commanded.
“You know I’m tiny, right?” Ochako said, raising her arm and not even coming close to the ladder. Bakugou rolled his eyes and picked her up by the hips without hesitation. Ochako squeaked in surprise but now she was high enough to reach the last bar of the ladder.
“Hurry up,” Bakugou threw her upwards and Ochako shrieked when Bakugou’s hands left her.
“Could’ve warned me!”
“Not as fun!” Bakugou grinned. If Ochako had time, she would’ve appreciated Bakugou’s expression more. It was so rare to see him smile for real. Ochako climbed as quickly as she could and dropped the ladder for him.
Bakugou’s phone buzzed and he scanned the message.
“Damn Icy-Hot. He’s worried about staying out too late. He’s gonna take his group to the dorms first, drop Baldy off at some family, and then bring Camie out to finish. Game is on pause.”
“That’s stupid,” Ochako pouted and sat on the stairs of the fire escape. Bakugou laughed once in his chest.
“Let’s get to the roof. I bet our group is cheating and scanning alleys anyway.”
The building they climbed was at least ten stories. Ochako was thankful that she wouldn’t have to run immediately afterward. She laid on the roof and stared at the black sky. It was a new moon and the lights of the city drowned out the stars. Dark clouds painted the night and, with the wind blowing through the trees, it was picturesque.
“They’ll text me when we’re on,” Bakugou said, sitting next to her. “So…”
“So?”
“Did you actually want to kiss me even when you were mad?” Bakugou smirked.
“Of course not!” Ochako lied. “You called my bluff.”
“Sometimes a bluff isn’t always a bluff,” Bakugou said roughly.
“For someone that has already made me storm off once tonight, you’re kind of asking for trouble,” Ochako warned with a smile.
“Trouble seems to find me,” Bakugou smiled back. It was then that they felt the first raindrops fall on them.
“Oh no!” Ochako got up quickly.
“Shit,” Bakugou stood up and flipped off the sky. “Let’s go.”
He ran to the opposite side of the building and jumped off.
“Bakugou!” Ochako screamed, running to where he had been. She heard a small explosion and saw Bakugou land on a shorter building’s roof about twenty feet down.
“Hurry up!”
“We shouldn't be jumping off buildings!”
“Don’t be an idiot! You can use your quirk if you need to. I used mine but if you’re too afraid-”
Ochako cursed and ran back to the middle of the roof.
“If we get caught, we're screwed,” she whispered to herself. It wasn't like she was scared. She had flown through the air with ease for years but using her quirk for this kind of thing was not really allowed. If anyone saw them, they would be in quite a bit of trouble all things considered.
The rain began to fall harder and Ochako didn’t have time to argue with herself. She ran to the side of the roof, careful to not slip, and jumped off. She closed her eyes as the rain hit her face and Bakugou scolded her.
“Open your eyes dammit!”
Ochako squinted and saw the roof rushing toward her. She activated her quirk at the last possible moment, hovering only a foot off the ground. Bakugou leaned down, grabbed her arm, and straightened her out.
“Release your quirk,” he told her. She obliged. “You know you can’t land if you can’t see, right?”
Ochako nodded. Adrenaline was pumping through her veins. Bakugou’s phone buzzed.
“We’re back on,” Bakugou said after reading the message. “Rain is making people want to stop playing so they want to get this over with.”
The rain was pouring now and both of them were soaked.
"Hop on. This is insane. I'm not staying out in this. No quirk rule didn't account for storms.”
“Hop...on?” Ochako asked. Bakugou turned around and tapped his shoulder. “Oh! I don't know, Bakugou. If we get caught-"
"We won't! If we do, I'll take the blame."
Ochako's stomach fluttered at the idea of him sticking his neck out for her. She used her quirk on herself and jumped onto his back, wrapping her arms and legs around him.
“Hold on,” Bakugou grinned and blasted off the roof, heading toward the destination. “I’ll drop us near the store and we’ll run the rest of the way.”
“Okay,” Ochako said into his ear, her eyes tightly shut. The rain stung her skin and she couldn’t wait to be out of it.
It wasn’t long before Ochako felt them drop and Bakugou landed in another alley a few blocks from the store.
“Knowing them they’ll be waiting for us,” Bakugou said quietly. “We’re not losing.”
“I know. Do we split up or stick together?” Ochako asked. It was an innocent question but Bakugou dwelled on it for a long time.
“Together.”
Ochako nodded and started to put her hair up. Bakugou gave her a puzzled look.
“Looking even slightly different could give us seconds. They’ll have to do a double take.”
“That’s--a good idea,” Bakugou muttered. He took off his hoodie and handed it to Ochako. “Put it on inside out or backwards to hide the logo.”
“Aren’t you cold?” Ochako said, barely hiding her own shiver. Bakugou didn’t respond. After putting on the hoodie, she looked up at him and giggled.
“What?” Bakugou snapped.
“Your hair is all flat.” Ochako continued to giggle.
Bakugou raised his eyebrows and touched the top of his head.
“That works. It would’ve been a give away,” Bakugou smirked.
Ochako laughed but stopped when she felt his hand grab hers.
“Having fun?” Bakugou asked, the sound of hope returning to his voice.
“Yeah! Something about the rain and hiding before we run for our lives.”
“I’ll invite you myself next time.”
“You better!”
Bakugou hesitated before he leaned down. Her breath caught in surprise but Ochako realized this was her opportunity to make up for not kissing him before. Ochako stood on her toes and their lips met. Water dripped down their faces and Ochako’s hands, covered by the soaking fabric of his hoodie, reached up to wrap around his neck.
Ochako pulled away and saw Bakugou’s eyes glittering with desire and excitement.
“Let’s finish this,” Ochako said with a smile.
“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Bakugou said. He pulled her to the edge of the alleyway and looked around. “I don’t see either of the cars.”
“Book it or fast walk until they see us?”
“Walk ahead of me a couple seconds. Fast walk. If I see them, I’ll shout.”
“Got it.”
Ochako walked out onto the sidewalk and began walking as quickly as she could to the convenience store without raising suspicion. She resisted the urge to look back to see if Bakugou was behind her. He would be, undoubtedly; she just wanted to see him. Ochako was still riding the high of kissing him. She touched her lips with her fingertips and a giddy smile spread underneath them.
There were two blocks left and Ochako could see the store's harsh light piercing through the night.
As she was crossing the street, she heard a familiar voice.
“It’s Uraraka! Get her!” Sero yelled.
Ochako pushed herself into gear and booked it to the convenience store.
“Where’s Bakugou!?” Kaminari yelled. Bakugou flew past the car and Kirishima roared into the night as he began chasing his friend.
“Fuck!” Bakugou shouted from behind Ochako. “Grab my hand!”
Ochako didn’t have time to think. She reached out her left hand and Bakugou grabbed it as he sprinted past her. The extra speed from Bakugou pulled her along and Ochako was practically jumping through the air with every step.
Kirishima was right behind them and catching up fast.
“Plus ultra!” Ochako screamed and she and Bakugou pushed themselves as hard as they could. They slammed into the convenience store door, their handprints marking the glass and startling the cashier on the other side.
“Are you kidding me!?” Kirishima yelled, skidding to a halt next to them.
“Sorry!” Ochako said to the cashier who was now glaring at them.
“We fucking did it!” Bakugou shouted and picked Ochako up, throwing her over his shoulder and spinning her in circles.
“You two sure are chipper,” Kirishima grumbled.
“We like the rain!” Ochako grinned as Bakugou twirled her around. He set her down and grabbed her hand. They walked back to Bakugou’s car and the group looked at Kirishima hopefully.
“Nah, they won,” Kirishima said, shaking his wet hair out with his fingers before climbing into the driver’s seat.
“Damn,” Sero cursed.
“Um, is anyone else seeing what I’m seeing?” Ashido said, her voice raising.
The group looked at Ochako and Bakugou’s intertwined hands and cheered.
“Finally!” Jirou said.
“Does that mean you’re gonna chill out?” Kaminari asked Bakugou.
“Fuck off,” Bakugou growled but he squeezed Ochako’s hand and led her to the front seat.
“That’s a no,” Jirou simplified. Kaminari stuck his tongue out at his girlfriend in response.
Camie waved to the group from the passenger seat of Todoroki’s car and rolled the window down a crack.
“Like, I’m super glad Bakugou grew some balls but can we go home now?”
Todoroki yawned and lazily honked his horn.
“We’re riding with them,” Shouji said tiredly and walked with Tokoyami to Todoroki’s car.
“I’ll go too,” Sero said. “That way there’s extra room.”
“I’ll get our group in first. Todoroki says wait at the normal spot. I’ll text you,” Camie said before rolling up the window. When Sero was safely in Todoroki’s car, they sped off.
“Can we get out of the rain now?” Kirishima asked with irritation.
“Who’s the grumpy one now?” Ashido asked him through the driver’s window and Kirishima scoffed. Ashido laughed as she climbed into the backseat of the car.
Ochako sat on Bakugou’s lap again but this time, he rubbed his fingers over her pads tenderly.
“They feel weird, don’t they?” Ochako asked. She didn’t know what fingers were supposed to feel like without them but she assumed they felt strange.
“No, they just feel different now.”
Bakugou leaned his head into her back and Ochako smiled.
“It’s gonna smell horrible in here now,” Kaminari noted. “Rain and sweat.”
“Whatever,” Bakugou mumbled into Ochako.
“Aw,” Ashido said. Bakugou growled and the group, minus Kirishima, laughed.
“I’m gonna park it in the same spot,” Kirishima said quietly. “Sorry, I’m tired. We’ll celebrate later.”
“Don’t worry,” Ochako said. “It would have been nice to catch Bakugou since he never plays villain.”
“I know!” Kirishima groaned and the group laughed again. Bakugou nuzzled his head in between Ochako’s shoulder blades. Little water droplets fell from his hair onto her neck and Ochako realized quickly that this was how he expressed himself. Words were overrated comparably.
Shockingly to Ochako, they made it to U.A. without a problem. Camie's illusions were incredibly handy in a safe return to the dorms. Ochako helped the others to their balconies with her quirk, leaving Bakugou for last. It was still raining as they stood underneath his room and Bakugou held her to his chest.
“I can’t believe I fucked up,” Bakugou whispered to her.
“What? You already apologized.”
“I could have had this earlier.”
Ochako sighed and Bakugou rubbed his thumbs across her back.
“I guess it’s a good thing I like you, present tense, then,” Ochako smiled. “But I’m freezing, so I’m gonna go to bed.”
“Sure I can’t warm you up?” Bakugou asked, squeezing her to him.
“Let’s not push our luck with how many rules we break tonight,” Ochako said quietly. She stood on her toes and Bakugou leaned down to kiss her. After a couple seconds, she moved her lips to his cheek. “Good night.”
“Tomorrow I’m taking you on a real date. No idiots allowed.”
Ochako smiled.
“Those idiots are the only reason we’re even talking about dates. Maybe say thanks to Kirishima for making Kaminari invite me tonight.”
“What?!”
“Shh!” Ochako shushed. She peeled off his hoodie from her body and wrapped it around his neck. She applied her quirk to him and Bakugou floated up, pouting all the way to his balcony. Ochako waved to him while shielding her eyes from the rain. When he was safe on his balcony, Ochako released and activated her quirk on herself to get to her room.
Everything that had transpired tonight hit her after she closed the balcony doors and was greeted with the overwhelming silence of her room.
“I kissed Bakugou,” Ochako whispered to herself. “I think we’re together?”
She squealed and jumped up and down before changing into dry clothes and flopping onto the bed contentedly. Somehow she’d have to explain how she and Bakugou were suddenly together without telling everyone they’d snuck out of school late at night to play a game that had been banned. Fortunately for Ochako, she wouldn’t have to worry about it tonight.
The next morning, Ochako’s phone buzzed. Bakugou had sent a group text to everyone who was there for the last part of the night.
Bakugou: Rules still apply. NO ONE talks about last night. Uraraka and I got together after meeting in the common room because we couldn’t sleep. You say anything different and you’re dead.
Kaminari: So you and Uraraka are official?
Tokoyami left the group chat.
Jirou: Did you even check to see if the common room was empty? P sure Midoriya was up sometime last night. There’s popcorn in All Might bowl on the table
Ashido: TOGETHER!?!?!?
Kirishima: 🤐
Shouji left the group chat.
Todoroki: It’s going to last a week before the real story gets out.
Camie: Why am I even on this? I don’t go to your school????
Sero: I mean ppl still don’t know about Bakugou and Kirishima getting so high from my brownies that they cuddled. I think it’ll at least last until graduation
Kaminari: Or the time that Bakugou almost ran over me and Jirou making out
Ashido: better run guys 🤣 Ochako is on this chat now. Camie didn’t know either.
Sero: FUCK I’M SO SORRY
Kaminari: 😲
Kirishima: 😆
Camie: Whoa you got 🌿 ? Where was this last night???
Todoroki: We were driving.
Sero: Yeah, I don’t bring brownies on patrol. This was a different hang out sesh
Kaminari: You haven’t lived till you’ve seen high Todoroki.
Jirou: Best stories ever
Ashido: Rules still apply to things outside of patrol dummy! You’re not supposed to spill!
Kirishima: Don’t worry Bakubro. Uraraka isn’t gonna dump you for that. Right?
Ochako stared at her screen with wide eyes. This was a lot to take in at seven in the morning. There was so much she didn’t know about her friends or about her...boyfriend. That thought was still too new to feel real. However, there was one thing she knew: Bakugou couldn’t murder her now.
Ochako Uraraka: Pics or it didn’t happen.